Mobile vs Desktop

An article from Erik at Array Digital

The first desktop or personal computer was created in 1971 compared to the first smartphone in 1992. Although the PC was invented 21 years before the smartphone, it is hard to ignore the staggering increase in smartphone usage over the years. According to the Pew Research Center, American smartphone usage has increased from 35% in 2011 to 77% in 2018. So when comparing the two devices, how do the results add up?

Back and forth

Over the last several years, mobile devices have been increasing in popularity, but just how much? Previous Google research showed that the majority of people, about 80%, use multiple devices in any given day. So they switch constantly back and forth from their phone to their desktop. As an example, last night I was on my laptop. Before that I was at the gym looking at my phone, and before that I was at work on my laptop. So every single day I’m switching back and forth, and I’m sure you do as well.

Mobile Domination

Out of all of the people that use the internet on a given day, about 14% use only a desktop. Out of all the people that use the internet on a given day, about 50 or 60, as high as 70% by some studies, use only their mobile devices. So, mobile devices are dominating right now compared to desktops, as far as website usage. What does that mean for your website? When you think about your website for your business, do you want it to be mobile responsive, or do you want it to be desktop responsive?

Website Adjustments

In the past, a website was designed for the desktop, and desktop browsers and then focusing on making it mobile responsive. Well, in the last couple of years that’s actually flipped because of the data. Now, a website should focus on mobile compatibility first then concentrate on desktop responsiveness. You want it designed for the mobile experience first and foremost. The desktop is a secondary experience they need to think about.

So, look at the data, and decide what you want to do.